File No. 656.119/270a
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Great Britain ( Page )
7062. For Sheldon [from War Trade Board]:
No. 256. The manner in which Dutch shipping matters have been handled compels us to caution you seriously against permitting the Government of Great Britain to speak for the Government of the United States or to commit it to a course of action involving grave possibilities without previous reference to Washington.
Our unnumbered telegram of February 27, 7 [9] p.m., Department No. 6209 [6709],1 stated that we thought requisitioning should be seriously considered but did not state that Government of United States was definitely prepared to take this step. Yet on basis of this telegram and without previous reference to us Lord Cecil with your concurrence submitted to Holland an ultimatum and gave to [Page 1433] understand that unless it were accepted Dutch tonnage everywhere would be requisitioned. See your 225, Embassy 8894, March 4, 11 p.m.1 Subsequently and still without reference to Washington, British Government submitted a second and more drastic ultimatum which in fact if not in form purported to speak for United States. We might have desired to handle the matter differently but had no opportunity to express a choice.
On March 22 British Embassy showed us text of note to be presented by British Government to Dutch Government.2 This note purported to speak for “Associated Governments” yet it contained several assurances which we were not prepared to give as clearly shown by our No. 214, March 19, Department No. 6957.3 We at once stated our objections to Embassy which expressed doubt as to whether they would have time to present our views before delivery of note, and in fact we have since learned that note was presented in original form and without reference to the strong dissent which we voiced to the British Embassy.
We do not intend by foregoing to indicate that we did not approve of requisitioning. We heartily favored this action. Our criticism is directed to the procedure adopted. Under other circumstances we could disavow statements by a foreign government which purported without authority to commit us to what we do not approve. Under present circumstances, however, we are very reluctant to evidence lack of harmony, and it is exceedingly disturbing to feel that in matters of gravity this Government may be committed without previous consultation.
Please inform us whether the note to Netherlands Government above referred to speaking for Associated Governments was submitted to you or Embassy for approval and if so whether such approval was granted.